Today’s 4th of July holiday is the day we set aside across the country to celebrate our nation’s independence and freedom.

Topekans across the city marked the occasion under beautiful morning skies. Colorful red, white and blue balloons kicked off this parade in the Potwin neighborhood. Children and adults lined the streets to watch the parade pass by – many of the parade participants walked with route around the neighborhood. Included in the parade were mounted horses, vintage cars and a lot of patriotic spirit.

That patriotism spread to another parade in Topeka’s College Hill neighborhood where a large American flag carried by the Topeka High Junior ROTC helped lead off the event. This parade even featured bagpipers along the route, much to the delight of those watching. The red, white and blue colors could be seen throughout this parade as well with childrens’ bicycles and other floats decorated in America’s colors to help celebrate Independence Day.

And late this morning, Old Glory once again helped lead the way for the Collins park neighborhood parade. This parade is one of the oldest in Topeka with a number of parade participants lined up for the route through Collins Park. More bicycles in this parade and even some babies in the route wearing their patriotic headgear. As with many parades of the day, this one featured more vintage vehicles and lots of red, white and blue.

Many other neighborhood events were held during the day leading up to fireworks shows later tonight in various communities in Northeast Kansas.